The Stations of the Cross - Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus, by Oluwaseyi Alade 2017 © Saatchi Art & Oluwaseyi Alade

24th March 2021 - Luke 23:26

As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the Cross, to carry it behind Jesus.

Reflection on the Drawing

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

What a good man Simon of Cyrene was! He saw You struggling and helped You carry Your cross. You probably never met Simon before, and yet there he was in the moment you needed it the most, a stranger helped You out. Have I helped to lift the burden of sufferings for someone else? Not nearly enough…

Your faces are close. I see how You look at Simon, with humble gratitude. You welcomed the help. I often don't want help, I feel self-sufficient. I can do things on my own!

Looking at Simon, I see how in our humanity we are all dependent on each other and we all need each other's help. You embrace our mutual interdependence at this very station. We are all together, one community.

Give me the humility to ask for help, wash away my pride and help me rely on others. And help me see when I should reach out to carry the cross of another… as I know it will help me grow and transform me, just as it did for Simon.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory Be to the Father and to the Son…

(Normal Gospel reading for the day: John 8: 31-42)

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/754
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php